5 reasons why Chelsea will win against Manchester United

It is time! The much-anticipated clash between the two heavyweights of the Premier League is set to get underway tomorrow at Old Trafford. Manchester United will play host to Chelsea in a game which has a lot on the line. With the race for the top four spots seemingly getting tense with each passing week, this match-up can be a potential 'six-pointer'.

Chelsea, understandably, have a lot more on the line than United. They can catch their opponents with a win at Old Trafford and stake their claim for the second spot.

Jose Mourinho currently has a number of problems at United (Hi, Paul) but at this moment, Chelsea and Antonio Conte are the number one problem for the Special One. So, without further ado, we list the five reasons which make us believe why Chelsea will thrash Manchester United tomorrow:

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#5 Momentum

Chelsea have been impressive in the past two weeks

On one hand, Chelsea managed a fine draw against FC Barcelona in Europe whereas, on the other hand, Manchester United scraped through with a goalless draw against Sevilla in Spain. Same result but completely different performance. Chelsea were unlucky to not register a famous win against the Catalans whereas United were saved because of David De Gea's brilliance.

After a slow start to the calendar year, Chelsea have picked up the pace in recent weeks with their draw against Barcelona being preceded by two convincing 3-0 and 4-0 wins over Hull and West Brom respectively. Also, Willian is currently in the best of forms while the team is performing like a unit.

Meanwhile, United have not impressed in their last five games which includes two defeats against Spurs and Newcastle. The team has looked disjointed in recent games and may find it tough to stop an opponent who are currently on a high after being the better team against one of the best teams in the world.

#4 Manchester United's record against the top 6

Jose Mourinho has struggled against the big teams since taking over at Old Trafford

Since Mourinho took over, the last convincing win over a top 6 team from Manchester United arrived in December when the Red Devils executed the counter-attacking play to great use in the 3-1 win over Arsenal. United also beat Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season.

But as a whole, United's performance against the top 6 since Jose Mourinho took over has not been that special. This season, United have played six games against the top English sides. They have won two as mentioned above, drawn one and lost three.

The more worrying fact for the hosts tomorrow is the fact that their star striker Romelu Lukaku has not scored against the top eight sides in the Premier League this season. The Red Devils have also scored more than once at home against the top 6 sides just once (against Chelsea last season) since Mourinho took over.

Also, the tactics employed by Mourinho in the big matches have drawn a lot of flak. Defeats against City and Spurs this season have been chastening whereas last season's loss to City at Old Trafford was painful to watch for any Mancunian.

#3 Chelsea's dominance over Manchester United

Manchester United have won just once in their last 14 matches against Chelsea

The one team that has troubled Manchester United the most in the Premier League era has to be the Blues from London. These sides have fought for titles after titles after the turn of the century but more often than not, Chelsea have got the better of United.

This may prove to be hard to believe but Manchester United have won just one of their last 14 matches in all competition against Chelsea (D5, L8) - winning this exact fixture last season in the Premier League (2-0). Add it to the fact that, Manchester United have lost more Premier League games (18) and conceded more Premier League goals (67) against Chelsea than they have against any other side in the competition makes this a nightmare fixture for United.

Antonio Conte also has had an upper hand over Jose Mourinho. The duo has met four times so far with Mourinho winning just one with Conte winning the remaining three matches. The most convincing victory for Conte came last season when his title-winning side handsomely beat United 4-0 at the Bridge. All these statistics will surely give Chelsea added confidence to win at Old Trafford tomorrow!

#2 Chelsea's attack vs United's defence

A player battle that can define the tie

Since Manchester United's 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, their defence has come under a lot of scrutiny. The centre-back pairing has suddenly become the main issue for this United side. Chris Smalling, to put it mildly, has not been at his best in the past month or so but with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo out injured, he has to start for United tomorrow.

Not only Smalling, the entire backline has underperformed in recent weeks with the dismal showing against Sevilla being a glaring example. Against Chelsea, this underfiring defence can be taken apart completely. The Blues can adopt their frontline in two ways; both having the potential to trouble United.

Chelsea can go with the same lineup that played against Barcelona and employ a fluid attacking trio of Hazard, Willian and Pedro or they can start Morata or Giroud up front with Hazard and Willian accompanying on the wings. Both these set of attacks can dismantle United. And if the home side's performance levels do not match that of Chelsea's attacking front then the Red Devils are in for a long night.

#1 Antonio Conte vs Jose Mourinho

Fight of the season!

Under the guise of mind games, insults flew left, right and centre between these two managers. Sometimes obnoxious and sometimes quite hilarious, these fight has been full of entertainment.

It all began on October 23, 2016, when Mourinho accused Conte of over-celebrating and 'humiliating' United despite Chelsea being 3-0 up at that time. Since then, a barrage of insults has flown from both the sides with stuff such as 'clown', 'senile dementia', match-fixing accusations, being a little man and being fake been exchanged between the two this season.

Give Antonio Conte the gloves and he'll be ready to fight against Mourinho in the ring. But for now, the firebrand Italian will have to be satisfied clashing at the Old Trafford touchline. It can be said that Conte will be looking for a victory over Mourinho more than anything in this world at this very moment.

Because of the history between the two, Conte will give that extra something to silence his rival. A lot of blood has been spilt over both the sides but Conte can be the one who can have the last laugh in this intriguing battle.